The concept of disease and health in Aristotle: Between nature and ethics

This study explores the concept of disease in Aristotelian thought, highlighting its dual nature as both a physical deviation and a moral metaphor. Through an examination of texts concerning nature, the soul, and ethical action, it argues that disease represents a departure from what is “according to nature” and a disruption of the organism’s entelechy. Health, by contrast, is identified with harmony and proper functioning, while disease signifies a rupture of this balance on both the bodily and psychological levels. The interaction between biological and ethical factors is also analyzed, showing that Aristotelian thought anticipates a holistic and proto-bioethical approach. A comparison with contemporary scientific views reveals the enduring relevance of this ancient problem, emphasizing that disease is not merely a biological event but one intertwined with moral, psychological, and social dimensions. The study contributes by shedding light on the relationship between bodily health and moral responsibility, opening fertile channels of dialogue between philosophy and modern bioethics.